Dermatologists Call for Tanning Bed Ban

Illinois Dermatologists visited the state capitol last week to offer free screenings for skin cancer and to urge Illinois lawmakers to ban minors (under age 18) from using tanning beds. Among them was Dr. Amanda Friedrichs of DeKalb.

While current Illinois law allows teens as young as 14 to use tanning salons with parental consent, legislation currently pending in the Illinois House (HB 1666) would ban anyone under the age of 18 from using tanning beds. Recent studies by the American Dermatological Association have shown a 69-percent increased risk of skin cancer among tanning-bed users.

Dr. Friedrichs said warnings about the high incidents of skin cancer among youth frequenting tanning beds, does not deter their use. She advises use of color sprays to get that golden tan instead.

For outdoor enthusiasts, dermatologists recommend wearing sun protective clothing and applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. They advise to re-apply the sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days.

Observations and comments about state government by State Representative Robert W. Pritchard.
District Office 815-748-3494 or E-Mail to bob@pritchardstaterep.com

Robert W. Pritchard (R-Hinckley) is the Illinois State Representative for the 70th district, serving the residents in portions of DeKalb, Boone, and Kane Counties. Bob has been serving in the Illinois House since 2003. Pritchard, affectionately known as Bob, has been serving in the Illinois House since 2003.
Biography
Bob was born February 2, 1945. He grew up on a farm outside Hinckley, Illinois where growing corn and soybeans instilled in him hard work and a sense of dedication. Bob and his family continue to their hard work by farming. He is married to his wife Mary, Associate Dean at Northern Illinois University, and has two grown sons, Matthew and Gregory.
Education
Bob majored in communications from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) earning both his bachelors and masters degree. Bobâ€™s passion for farming and his education in communication gave him the unique opportunity to enjoy working in both fields.
Professional Life
Beginning as a Radio and TV broadcaster for a local area stations, Bob delivered the farming updates and local weather reports. Bob took advantage of his skills and has worked for universities as well as filled marketing, public relations, and community relation roles at DeKalb Genetics Corporation and Monsanto.
Community Leader
Before becoming a member of the Illinois House of Representatives Bob was an energetic and busy contributor to the communities of DeKalb County. Getting his hands dirty in all parts of local government, Bob served on the Hinckley-Big Rock Board of Education. Bob was never far from his roots in the farming community, and was elected to a leadership position for the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. He also served as chairman for the DeKalb County Board.
Legislative History
Bob has diligently worked for the betterment on a wide gamut of issues from early childhood and education, healthcare, conservation and the environment, job creation, and protecting the manufacturing industry. The values of hard work and dedication that were instilled in Bob from his years of farming are reflected in his mentality of representing his constituents.